Orvis is best known for their high-end fly-fishing equipment, hunting gear and sporting goods but you can find plenty of everyday use items that are perfect for staying warm during the upcoming colder months. Founded in 1856 in Manchester, Vermont, the family-owned retailer began as a tackle shop and has now grown to 51 stores and 9 outlets nationwide. Here are three top picks that will keep you warm while driving through the back roads of New England on a brisk fall day. (more…)

I really dig Urban Outfitters because you can still bargain shop and discover new brands despite it’s status as a massive chain. There are 140 stores across the U.S. and in Europe – impressive considering they originated in 1970 in Philly as a funky seller of fashion and household products under the name “The Free People’s Store.” You also have to give credit to their talented new Creative Director, Duncan Hamilton, who’s tightened up the look and feel of the brand. They’ve also done a terrific job updating and cleaning up their men’s clothing offering and (more…)

I grew up in Yarmouth, Maine, about 5 minutes south of L.L. Bean, and was lucky to have such an iconic store nearby. It’s open year-round, 24 hours a day and my buddies and I would end up there inevitably around midnight shopping for camping gear, Maglites, hiking boots, wool socks and other essentials. It’s just a fun store to roam around and check out skis, mountain bikes, fly fishing gear, hunting equipment – a truly interactive store where you can sit and watch videos and learn new stuff. The entire LL Bean complex expands each year and what was once limited to a creaky old store is now (more…)

I just returned from a two week trip to Italy and Spain and found it interesting to see the differences between Zara in Spain and here in the U.S. Despite the intimidating Euro, prices can still be cheaper in Europe, which was a surprise. Take the jacket above, my favorite item in the Zara store in the massive Madrid airport. It was priced at 99 euros, or $143 dollars based on today’s (more…)